Base History \ Arrival

Naval Base Coronado is located in Coronado, California, one of the most unique and beautiful beach front cities in the world. Measuring only 13.5 square miles and located just minutes from downtown San Diego, this enchanted island has it all: beaches, parks, numerous recreational activities, highly rated schools, top notch municipal services, a wonderful climate, and an ideal location. San Diego, a military town, has a higher cost of living than most cities in America but is also known as "America's Finest City." The base operator's phone number is 619-545-1011 or DSN 312-735-1011.

History

North Island was commissioned a naval air station in 1917. On August 15, 1963, the station, which was called the Naval Air Station San Diego until 1955, was granted official recognition as the "Birthplace of Naval Aviation" by resolution of the House Armed Services Committee. For more information, please visit Naval Base Coronado'shomepage.

Mission

Naval Base Coronado's mission is to provide the highest quality logistical support and quality of life services to the U.S. Navy operating forces and for assigned activities at other commands as needed, and to provide the right support, at the right time, in the right amount, enabling operating forces to produce the right level of combat readiness; that is, support the Fleet, Fighter, and Family.

Population Served

Naval Base Coronado is broken up into eight installations. NAS North Island (NASNI) is host to two major aircraft carriers, the USS CARL VINSON (CVN 70) and the USS RONALD REAGAN (CVN 76), aviation squadrons, 80 additional tenant commands, and activities. One activity, the Naval Aviation Depot, is the largest aerospace employer in San Diego. Naval Amphibious Base (NAB), is host to thirty commands including the headquarters for the Naval Special Warfare Command (a second echelon command for America's elite maritime special operations forces), the U.S. Navy SEALs, and Special Warfare Combatant Craft Crewmen. Naval Base Coronado also operates two other airfields in the Southern California region. One is Naval Auxiliary Landing Facility San Clemente Island, located 70 miles northwest of San Diego in the California Channel Islands. The other is Outlying Landing Field Imperial Beach, located 10 miles south of the base on the U.S./Mexican border. The air station resembles a small city in its operations. Naval Base Coronado also encompasses Camp Morena. Population consists of DoD personnel, Military Families, Civilians, and Joint Armed Forces. It has its own police and fire departments. It has its own parks, beaches, housing and recreation areas, as well as large factories such as Naval Air Depot Civilian Employment Opportunities (NADEP).

Base Transportation

Currently, there is no base transportation on this installation. There is a Transportation Incentive Program (TIP) which issues vouchers so that transportation to and from work is free for active duty personnel. Please visit the Transportation and Incentive website to fill out an application. Please contact the Installation Coordinator at 619-247-6000 for more information.

Directions

Airports

Typically, you will fly into the San Diego International Airport / Lindbergh Field (SAN). Located at 3225 North Harbor Drive, the airport is conveniently located three miles northwest of downtown San Diego and approximately 9 miles from Naval Base Coronado (NBC).

Shuttle Service/USO

The United Services Organization (USO) Neil Ash Airport Center is located in the Terminal 2 parking area. The phone number is 619-296-3192. Visit the USO Office Terminal 2 for availability of discounted shuttles and San Diego information. The USO is staffed 7 days/week from 6:00 a.m. - 12:00 a.m. Military personnel arriving after 12:00 a.m. should call the Sea Breeze shuttle at 619-888-1993 or 1-866-827-3393 and ask for the USO or military rate. Be sure to make a reservation in advance. You can also schedule a shuttle 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. NBSD does not sponsor a shuttle from the airport to the base, but check with your command to see if a duty driver or your Command Sponsor can provide transportation.

Taxi Service

Taxi rates from the airport to the base vary. It is important that you negotiate the rate for the total cost before you get into the taxi.

Local Bus or Trolly

The Metro Transit System (MTS) travels to and from the airport and downtown San Diego, which can connect you to the trolley, train, and other bus stops. For public transportation and ground transportation, visit the Volunteer Airport Ambassadors at the Information Desks located in the baggage claim area of Terminals 1 and 2.

If you choose, visit the San Diego commuter website to plan which methods of public transportation you will use from the airport to your destination.

Bus routes, fare and schedule information may be obtained by calling 619-233-3004. The San Diego Trolley also serves the San Diego Region and is an excellent form of transportation for day-to-day travel to the base. Review the transportation section for more information.

Driving Directions

From the North:

Take I-5 South

Exit SR 75 to Coronado

Cross the Coronado Bridge and stay on Third Avenue

To North Island:

Cross Orange Avenue and continue straight follow signs for base gate.

The NB Coronado (North Island) Main Gate is located at the Intersection of Third and Alameda Blvd.

To Naval Amphibious Base:

Turn left onto Orange Avenue (approximately 1/2 mile)

Orange Avenue turns into Highway 75 (also known as "The Strand" or "Silver Strand")

Continue past the Hotel Del Coronado, large hotel with a red roof

Turn left onto Tarawa Road and enter gate on left.

From the South:

Take I-5 North

Exit SR 75 to Coronado

Cross the Coronado Bridge and stay on Third Avenue

To North Island:

Cross Orange Avenue and continue straight follow signs for base gate.

The NB Coronado (North Island) Main Gate is located at the Intersection of Third and Alameda Blvd.

To Naval Amphibious Base:

Turn left onto Orange Avenue (approximately 1/2 mile)

Orange Avenue turns into Highway 75 (also known as "The Strand" or "Silver Strand")

Continue past the Hotel Del Coronado, large hotel with a red roof

Turn left onto Tarawa Road and enter gate on left.

Entering the Main Gate

All visitors are required to enter the base via the Main Gate. The following basic rules apply: proceed directly to the Main Gate and be prepared to stop, provide a U.S. Department of Defense identification card, and state your business (i.e. "reporting for duty"). Base security can assist you toward your destination or simply ask for the nearest base directory. Visit the nearest NRSW Fleet and Family Support Center (FFSC) to obtain a base map.

If you are going to San Clemente or Imperial Beach see the numbers located in the contact section for directions to specific destination.